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EXPERIENCE REVEALS LIFE

Joseph Lakra, OFM

I was assigned to do my regency program at St. Anthony’sFriary, MalomNoatoli. Malom Noatoli is one of the interior villages in the state of Jharkhand. It was not easy for me to travel due to the covid restrictions but with the grace of God I managed to reach my pace of regency on 5th May 2021. Friar Anil Xalxo was my local guardian. He was so approachable regarding any matter that I felt free to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to me faithfully. I was engaged Mostly with school and parish ministry. In the school I committed myself for the betterment of the students, through teaching and various other activities. Because of the lack of teachers; each teacher has to take five to six hours of classes every day. From Monday to till Saturday I used to be in the school and on Sundays I was engaged in parish ministry.

In the parish along with one of the sisters to take care of the youths. In the beginning the youths were not so responsive to the activities assigned to those but because of our constant perseverance in motivating them, gradually the youths responded quiet well. Every third Sunday of the month we use to have youth meetings. Sr. Sandhya used to motivate them through her talks and her very life examples. We conducted many seminars and cultural events for them where they showed their talents. There were many positive responses from the parents of the school students as well as from the youths’ parents. It was a wonderful experience that I found myself growing socially, and I also discovered my ability to animate them.

Every Sunday evening along with the father and sister I went for house visiting. Most of the time there we recited the rosary with the families. They were happy to welcome us to their homes for the prayers. This house visiting and family prayer made me more familiar with various people of different mentality, spirituality, temperaments and perspectives. And people were very much approachable and willing for any kind of work in the parish.

I enjoyed being in the friary with the Friars. Friar Anil Xalxo and Friar Robin Lakra supported me in various ways, they were very approachable and kind towards me in everything. I thank God for the blessings and guidance I received from the Regent master Friar John Sekar and for the constant guidance and support I needed from others too in my journey.

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